UK launches £17M Sparck AI scholarships for 100 master’s students

The UK government has launched the Sparck AI scholarships, a £17 million program that will provide fully-funded master’s degrees to students at nine universities, including the University of Bristol. Named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Sparck Jones, the scholarships aim to develop the next generation of AI “pioneers” and strengthen the UK’s position in artificial intelligence.

What you should know: The program combines academic study with direct industry experience to create a comprehensive AI talent pipeline.

• Applications open in spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning studies in autumn 2026.
• All 100 scholars receive full funding covering both tuition and living costs.
• Students gain placements at leading AI companies alongside mentorship from industry experts.
• The initiative aligns with the Government’s ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’.

Who’s participating: Nine universities will offer the scholarships, with Bristol joining institutions in Newcastle, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

• Bristol was named ‘AI University of the Year’ in 2024 and operates the Isambard-AI computer, the most powerful of its kind in the country.
• The university has already invested more than £200 million in AI supercomputing infrastructure.
• Industry partners include Flok Health and talent acquisition firm Beamery.

Why this matters: The program addresses critical AI talent shortages while positioning the UK as a global AI hub.

• Vice-chancellor Evelyn Welch said the scholarships would give Bristol the chance to “explore bold new ideas and nurture exceptional talent.”
• Technology Secretary Peter Kyle MP believes the scheme will help students secure “highly skilled jobs” and build “a workforce fit for the future.”

What they’re saying: Industry leaders emphasize the importance of attracting top-tier talent to maintain the UK’s competitive edge.

• Finn Stevenson, Co-founder and Chief Executive of Flok Health, said they were “delighted” to be part of the scheme, adding that attracting the “world’s best talent” was vital in aiding AI advancement in the UK.
• Beamery noted the scholarships would help their goal to create “equal access to work” and connect “talent to opportunity.”